Monty Python's Flying Circus

Monty Python's Flying Circus

Parental Guide

Madcap, classic sketch comedy with adult themes.

Consumerism

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Drinking, drugs, & smoking

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Language

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Positive messages

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Sex

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Violence

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Parents need to know that while this classic British sketch comedy series includes some silly physical comedy skits that are fine for younger kids, it's most appropriate for teens. The Pythons' humor is absurd and silly, but it also leans heavily toward the intellectual -- skits incorporate topics such as politics, classic literature, and historical figures and events. Some skits also have sexual themes and plenty of innuendo, but nothing more graphic than some occasional bits and pieces of brief nudity (mostly quick glimpses of bare breasts and unclad buns). Skits can also include violence, but it's always cartoon-like with the Pythons and always there for a laugh -- a roving gang of biker grannies pummels a victim with their pocketbooks; members of a Sousa-playing band explode into nothing, one by one; a housewife stuffs her turkey with a limp cat; and so on. One extra word of caution: Unlike Tom and Jerry and other cartoons with exaggerated violence, this show occasionally features real actors performing violent acts -- young kids won't grasp the humor and may think the action is happening in real life.

Season 2 Episode 2:

The Spanish Inquisition

Season 2 Episode 1:

Dinsdale!

A sketch about the Ministry of Silly Walks; a British minister attired in a pink tulle dress talks about housing on "Face the Press"; 30 gas-company men investigate the installation of a stove; a giant hedgehog wanders London.